Former NFL LB Antonio Pierce said former New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' speech, in which he told players to target injured opponents, is nothing new. "I've heard that speech from seven of the defensive coordinators I've played with in my nine-year career," Pierce said. "Think about it, if a guy knows he's going to get hit hard, he's not going to come across that middle." Pierce, who played under Williams with the Washington Redskins in 2004, called the coach's choice of words "a little harsh, they're a little tough," but talked about the awareness of an opponent's injured players. "Throughout the week we always knew who was injured and what body part was injured," Pierce said. "If he's not in the game, our chances of winning are higher. And that's what it's all about. It's all about winning."

Unrestricted free-agent LB Antonio Pierce (Giants) said during a television interview that he will need surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck if he wants to play again and that is not an option he is looking forward to, reports Ohm Youngmisuk, of ESPNNewYork.com. "It is healing but I am going to need surgery to continue playing. That's not an option I am looking forward to. It is looking like it is going down that [retirement] path. First offseason I am having away from football and I am enjoying it," Pierce said.

NFL.com reports St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo said Tuesday, Feb. 16, the team could sign free-agent LB Antonio Pierce (Giants) if he is healthy. "I guess all of those situations are possible," Spagnuolo said. "I think the health of the player is probably the most important thing. I'd check on that."

Mike Garafolo, of The Star-Ledger, reports unrestricted free-agent LB Antonio Pierce (Giants) said he underwent an MRI on his neck recently that showed everything appears to be fine. Pierce suffered a bulging disk last season, but it was not the reason he was released by the New York Giants.